1. Consulting
Included with: All R.I.G. membership levels
Service type: On Demand
Helping you make sound business decisions.
A business consultant is an advisor who has experience in all aspects of running and growing a business wisely. Because BLF specializes in small trucking companies, we are uniquely equipped to assist you with anything. This might be a simple one question phone call, or a tackling a larger problem.
How Consulting Works on the RIG
Advice whenever you need it
Your BLF consultant is never more than a phone call, email, or text away. Reach out whenever you have a question or concern about an issue that you need help with. You should utilize your BLF consultant as though they were a team member of your own company, who is there to help you solve problems as they arise.
A decision sounding board
Not sure if buying that truck you saw for sale on the road is a good idea? Run it by us and you can be sure we will give you give you honest and unbiased feedback. Sometimes, all you need is a second opinion to make crucial business decisions. Use us as a sounding board to bounce off ideas or strategies. We provide an outsider’s perspective, grounded in industry expertise, to help you make well-informed decisions.
Financial Management
Managing the finances of a trucking business is not just about balancing the books. It’s about understanding costs, optimizing pricing, and ensuring you have the cash flow to keep your trucks on the road. We’ll help you navigate the financial aspects of your business, from budgeting to financial reporting.
Extensive Network
Because all BLF consultants come from a general business background we all have our own network of business experts and advisors. If something falls outside of our wheelhouse, we’ll find you answer. In this business, who you know can be as crucial as what you know. Our extensive network in the trucking industry and lender/services can connect you with valuable partners, clients, and vendors.
Game Plan Manager
Think of us as your personal game plan manager. We’ll help set realistic, achievable goals and outline the steps needed to reach them. Whether you’re looking to expand your fleet or enter a new market, we’ll develop a comprehensive plan to get you there. Tailoring plans to scale your trucking business effectively is our bread and butter.
Strategic Planning
Long-term success requires a well-thought-out strategy. We’ll assist you in formulating a strategic plan that aligns with your business goals. This plan will serve as a roadmap for growth, helping you to allocate resources efficiently and make smarter business choices.
Teamwork
Many truckers get used to doing everything alone. But having someone is there who’s got your back can alleviate a lot of the stress that accompanies running a trucking business. A strong team can help of trucking operation perform better (especially owner operators). Our collaborative approach ensures that we’re all on the same page, driving your business forward. Our team is your team. We are in this together!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results?
The time required to see tangible results varies depending on the specific challenges your business is facing and the areas of focus. However, many of our clients begin to see positive changes in operational efficiency and financial management within a few months. Our goal is to provide long-term strategies that contribute to your company’s sustained growth. This is the whole reason we created the R.I.G.
Will this be a long term relationship?
We sure hope so. Sustained growth requires ongoing support and strategy refinement. Long-term partnerships allow us to continually monitor progress, adapt strategies as needed, and provide ongoing guidance to ensure your trucking business reaches its full potential.
What if I am only a sole prop or owner/operator?
Owner-operators are actually who will benefit from R.I.G. membership more than anyone. While larger companies tend to have support staff, owner operators have to juggle multiple roles in their business. And truth be told, a lot of owner operators are great at all things freight, but not so great at business management. Especially truckers with less than a few years experience under their belts.
Will I deal with one consultant only?
Yes. All R.I.G. members have a dedicated consultant (at time of writing, our CEO Sean Hawley). All of us at BLF love and root for our truckers to succeed at every stage of their business. For a proper consulting relationship to work, both sides (client and consultant) need to build a strong relationship together. This is important so that the trust goes both ways. In fact, we’re sure that after a while you will even become good friends.
What happens if I cancel my R.I.G. membership?
As long as you are a paying member of the R.I.G. you will receive all of the benefits included in your plan. This does not mean that should you cancel, we would stop taking your calls in the future. Everyone at BLF is very accessible and helpful all the time.
Is there a limit on how many times I can access my consultant?
No. Your BLF consultant is available for you whenever you have a need or a question. You should always feel comfortable reaching out whenever you want. Although we’re not robots and cannot answer every call/email instantly all the time, communication will be prompt. Obviously, there needs to be a reasonable expectation that your consultant may be busy at times.
What’s not included
Just like truckers, BLF knows how to ‘stay in our own lane’.
Help with finding freight
BLF does not engage with any brokers, dispatchers or load boards.
Regulatory compliance
We are not able to help with DOT compliance or permit assistance.
Operational efficiency
BLF doesn’t have tools available for fleet management or route optimization (yet).
Driver management
We cannot assist with recruiting or hiring additional drivers for your fleet.
What we cannot do.
Find Loads.
BLF does not engage with any brokers, dispatchers or load boards. We do, however, aim to get all of our truckers off of dependence upon these services for their daily loads. This is done through other aspects of the R.I.G.
Operational Efficiency.
BLF consultants are generally not equipped with the skills to help with fleet management and route optimization. (*We are planning to roll out this service late 2023).
Regulatory Compliance.
We are not able to help with DOT compliance or permit assistance at this time.
Driver Management
Aside from the occasional referral of one BLF trucking client to another, we cannot assist with recruiting, hiring and managing additional drivers for your fleet.